Sessions and Speakers
Friday, April 25, 2014
Conference Sessions
Session 1: 9:30-10:30 AM
1A: [expand title=”Repurposing a Village Main Street Commercial Building – Creative Solutions to Technical and Programmatic Obstacles“]Many small Towns and Villages are confronted with the challenge of revitalizing their Main Streets. Many also have a need to improve their aging local Library. The Village of Palmyra offers a case study of a successful, ongoing, project that rehabilitates a local landmark on their Main Street for their community library. The project was initiated by the Kings Daughters Free Library, who identified a need to move to a larger facility with greater structural capabilities in order to become a Public Library with the municipality. The Library Board and staff selected a three-story vacant brick commercial building that was built at the turn of the twentieth century as offices for the successful local Garlock Company, a leader in the fluid sealing industry, and adapted it for library use.
Topics will include: Identifying key Program criteria and developing a Master Plan for the building and site; identification and resolution of project limitations including accessibility and the presence of asbestos in the original plaster; developing appropriate project phases coordinated with a specific funding schedule; and identification and rehabilitation to recover original character defining features.[/expand]
[expand title=”John Page, Architect, Bero Architecture PLLC”]
John is a registered architect who completed his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Art and Architecture degrees at the University of Florida in the 1970s. He began his work with Bero Associates in 1982 and purchased the firm with Virginia Searl in 2008 when it became Bero Architecture PLLC. Virginia and John have continued the firm’s focus on preservation including institution of the Bero-Howk Preservation Internship which is entering its fifth year this summer.[/expand]
[expand title=”Palmyra Community Library”][/expand]
1B: [expand title=”Rightsizing at the Neighborhood Level: How ReLocal helps cities and neighborhoods set priorities“][/expand]
[expand title=”Donovan Rypkema, PlaceEconomics”]
Donovan Rypkema, Principal of PlaceEconomics, was educated at Columbia University, where he received a Masters of Science degree in Historic Preservation. He has lectured widely on economic and preservation issues relating to rehabilitation, community development and commercial revitalization. His specific fields of consultation include feasibility analyses for real estate and market analysis, economic revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood commercial centers, and the rehabilitation of historic structures. He is author of several publications, including Community Initiated Development, The Economics of Rehabilitation, the Downtown Real Estate Development Series and others. In the fall of 2012 Rypkema received the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Crowninshield Award is the nation’s highest preservation honor and awarded for lifetime contribution to historic preservation in the United States.[/expand]
1C: [expand title=”Historic Preservation’s Future: Willowbank School of Restoration Arts“]The Willowbank School of Restoration Arts in Queenston, Ontario is charting a new historic preservation paradigm for heritage conservation and cultural landscapes that will re-orient and renew the role of historic preservation in planning and building.
By re-imagining and re-crafting great places in a seamless integration of academic and hands-on training in the heritage conservation field, Willowbank is educating a new generation of young people wanting to connect past, present and future. There is a waiting list of employers seeking Willowbank graduates.
Hear from Lisa Prosper, Director, Willowbank Centre for Cultural Landscape, and Willowbank Board Vice President Clinton Brown, FAIA, describe the designing of the future of historic preservation in the United States and throughout the world that will illustrate the themes of rebuilding, renewing and recreating.
Willowbank School of Restoration Arts, National Historic Site and Centre for Cultural Landscape is a center of theory and practice in heritage conservation in ways you have not seen before and that will impact your role as a preservationist in your community.[/expand]
[expand title=”Clinton Brown FAIA, President and Founder, Clinton Brown Company Architecture, pc”]
Buffalo Niagara native Clinton Brown, FAIA, is the founder of Clinton Brown Company Architecture, pc, the full service historic preservation architecture firm, which celebrated its 25th year in business during 2013.He is a member of the Board of the Richardson Center Corporation that is rehabilitating the Richardson Olmsted Center in Buffalo, a member of the Niagara Erie (counties) Regional Coalition, a Commissioner of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor appointed by three successive Secretaries of the Interior, and Vice President of the Board of Willowbank School of Restoration Arts in Queenston.
A graduate of Franklin and Marshall College, the Institute for Architecture and Urban Design and the University of Virginia School of Architecture, Mr. Brown’s career has spanned both public and private sectors.
He has been active in professional architectural, historic preservation and civic leadership at the local, regional, state-wide and national levels. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
He has recently made presentations about historic preservation and heritage economics before civic and professional groups in Binghamton, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Springville and Syracuse NY, Indianapolis, IN, and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.[/expand]
[expand title=”Lisa Prosper”]
Lisa Prosper is the Director of the Centre for Cultural Landscape at Willowbank. The Centre for Cultural Landscape seeks to further the development of a cultural landscape approach to heritage conservation and community development by emphasizing the interrelated physical and socio-cultural dimensions of places. Lisa has been contributing to heritage theory and practice for over a decade and is regularly an invited speaker on cultural landscapes and Aboriginal heritage at both Canadian and international forums. She has been a member of numerous expert committees including the working group to develop the federal standards and guidelines for the conservation of cultural landscapes in Canada. She shares responsibility for curriculum development of the Diploma Program at the School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank, where she also teaches heritage theory.[/expand]
1D: [expand title =”Perfect Balance – Historic Preservation and Affordable Housing Design“]SWBR recently was involved as lead architect on three major historic preservation projects that utilized low income housing tax credits (LIHTC) and historic tax credits. The issues surrounding the design of successful affordable housing projects that utilize historic tax credits are complex and advanced. Integrating the two tax credit programs also presents unique challenges as each comes with their own sets of rules and regulations. As the architects for the project, we are faced with the challenge of meeting our clients housing program and needs and providing great design while adhering to the requirements of both tax credit programs. A successful historic tax credit housing project can be achieved by balancing these three items: Design, Preservation and Construction Costs. This session will introduce common issues for owners and developers to understand the balance between project goals and preservation initiatives.[/expand]
[expand title=”E. Joseph Gibbons, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, SWBR Architects”]
Joe is a Principal at SWBR Architects. In his position he is responsible for overseeing the firm’s work in Affordable and Supportive Housing across New York State and the Northeast. Joe has expertise in NYS Homes and Community Renewal tax credit affordable housing projects.
As an architect, he is committed to evaluating and defining the specific needs of architectural programs and developing a design solution that will satisfy the needs of the project as a whole. He is committed to a teamwork approach, working holistically with the client, contractor and design consultants. Joe has been with SWBR for more than 15 years.
He received his Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science at the City University of New York. He is a licensed architect and is LEED Accredited.[/expand]
[expand title=”Michael Puma, Preservation Studios”]
Michael Puma is Principal and Project Manager with Preservation Studios in Buffalo, NY. Michael holds a B.A. in Environmental Design with a minor in Architecture from the University of Buffalo.[/expand]
[expand title=”Gillian Conde, Vice President, DePaul”][/expand]
Session 2: 10:45- 11:45 AM
2A:[expand title =”An Introduction to the new SHPO web-based compliance & Inventory Application, NY Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS)“]The NYS Division for Historic Preservation (DHP) is the primary repository for information on historic and archaeological resources for New York. Over more than 40 years the division has collected data on thousands of historic buildings, communities and archaeological sites. This data chronicles more than 10,000 years of human occupation in our state and over 300 years of built resources. This paper legacy data has been largely inaccessible to most historians and researchers.
Now, with a grant from the Federal Highway Administration, DHP is about to launch a new interactive map-based information system. This new program will give users access to a wealth of building data, images, projects and other legacy information pertaining to New York State’s vast wealth of historic and cultural resources. Archaeological reports and data will also be available to qualified users.
The system will also be able to accept and record new information directly from local sources such as institutions and historians adding to the public information database in real time. From the public policy side the new system will interact directly with state and federal agencies that also use the Division’s data and seek input under state and federal laws.
The new system will eliminate the need for paper submissions under these programs and provide for more expedited response times. When completed the new Cultural Resource Information System (NY-CRIS) will be one of the most advanced programs of its type. This session will provide a first look at this exciting advance in Historic Preservation digital technology.[/expand]
[expand title=”Michael Schifferli, Program Analyst, NY State Historic Preservation Office”]
Michael Schifferli has been a Historic Preservation Program Analyst for the past 15 years at the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), serving as the Division’s GIS Coordinator & Project Manager for the Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS) Application Development and legacy data conversion and migration Project. Before beginning at SHPO, Mike worked for a cultural resource management firm in Buffalo where he was involved in the preliminary archeological investigations at the Buffalo Inner Harbor or western terminus of the Erie Barge Canal. It was Mike’s trowel that was the first to uncover the remnants of what later would be identified, preserved and interpreted as Lloyd Street. Prior to that Mike served as an Archeological Technician for the National Park Service at Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, as well as for the Eastern Mimbres Archeological Project, nearest Caballo, New Mexico. Mike lives with his family in rural Saratoga County and spends his free time at his family’s home on the Great Sacandaga Lake.[/expand]
[expand title=”John Bonafide, Director, NY State Historic Preservation Office”]
John A. Bonafide is the Director of the Technical Preservation Services Bureau at the New York State Division for Historic Preservation. He manages the Division’s Architectural Technical Review and Archaeological programs, oversees the Bureau’s federal and state compliance responsibilities as the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and is responsible for the ongoing development and implementation of the Division’s web based information systems. John holds a Master’s degree in Public History from the New York State University at Albany. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Public History Graduate Program at the University at Albany.[/expand]
2B: [expand title=”Hamlin Park Historic District: A Preservation Case-Study in Buffalo, NY“]Using the Hamlin Park Historic District as a case study, the session will discuss the impact of different historic preservation activities in an historic urban neighborhood. Topics will include: the history and significance of the Hamlin Park Historic District neighborhood; the benefits of the local and National Register listings for the District; NYS’s homeowner tax credits; federal commercial tax credits; common design challenges facing District homeowners and businesses seeking tax credits; as well as a general discussion about the impact of preservation on urban neighborhoods.[/expand]
[expand title =”Derek King, Architectural Historian, Preservation Studios”]
Derek King is Principal and Architectural Historian with Preservation Studios in Buffalo, NY. Derek holds a B.A. in History and Anthropology with a minor in Global Studies from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY.[/expand]
[expand title =”Michael Puma, Project Manager, Preservation Studios”]
Michael Puma is Principal and Project Manager with Preservation Studios in Buffalo, NY. Michael holds a B.A. in Environmental Design with a minor in Architecture from the University of Buffalo.[/expand]
[expand title =”Phillip Borrelli, General Counsel, Preservation Studios”]
Phillip Borrelli is Principal and General Counsel with Preservation Studios. Phillip holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University at Buffalo and a J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law.[/expand]
2C: [expand title =”Sneaky Preservation: Making Advocates through Emotional Experiences with Place“]Too often, preservationists face an uphill battle against unsympathetic government, new build-centric developers, and large organizations that don’t understand how historic buildings can fit into their portfolio of projects. What this requires is an engaged public, ready willing and able to stand firm for what is right and economically beneficial. However, if we can’t get people off their couch and out into the real world (Facebook slacktivism doesn’t count!), how can we make change?
Our presentation will include success stories in engaging people in place through “sneaky preservation”. Inspired by lead presenter Dana Saylor’s experience as Event Planner for CITY of NIGHT at Buffalo’s grain elevators, where she realized the potential to change people’s mind about place by giving them an emotional or sentimental experience-based connection.[/expand]
[expand title =”Dana Saylor-Furman, Old Time Roots”]
Dana Saylor-Furman is a published author, researcher for hire, local historian, artist, and activist in Buffalo, New York. Everything she does is connected to history, whether property research, writing for magazines and films, preservation work, fine art, or event planning at historic sites.[/expand]
[expand title =”Meagan Baco, HistPres.com “]
Meagan is an on-the-ground and online advocate for preservation, and is currently Program Manager at Preservation Action, the national grassroots lobby for historic preservation in Washington, DC. She is co-founder of Histpres, an opportunity board and blog for active preservationists, and has spoken about what young preservationists want, think and do at the National Preservation Conference, among other meetings.
A native of Buffalo, NY, she is a founding member of the grassroots groups, Buffalo’s Young Preservationists and Painting for Preservation, and remains active in her hometown through online advocacy, like the I’m Steel Standing campaign to save the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building. Also active to her new city, Meagan is a founding board member of the Greenbelt Cinema Cooperative renovating a FDR-era single screen movie theatre at the center of Greenbelt, MD.
As a professional preservationist, Meagan exceeds the Secretary of the Interior’s qualifications with private sector experience that includes utilizing federal and state tax credits, and completing historic resources surveys in three states. Meagan holds a MS in Historic Preservation from Clemson University/College of Charleston and a BA in Environmental Design from SUNY Buffalo.[/expand]
[expand title =”Benjamin Woelk- Co-Producer/Director of Slow Road Travel”]
Benjamin Woelk graduated from RIT in May of 2012 with a Masters in Professional Studies with concentrations in Public Policy, Tourism, and Marketing, where he explored diverse and dynamic methods to foster urban and community development. A strong advocate of historic preservation and sustaining Main Streets in New York State, Benjamin sees the arts, agriculture, and local businesses as the key to economic development, revival, and the creation of a vibrant local culture.
Benjamin also serves on the Board of Directors for the Western Erie Canal Alliance and Slow Food Rochester to promote and sustain our region at the grassroots and local levels.[/expand]
2D: [expand title =”Restoring Buffalo Schools“]The Buffalo School Project is a great example of public/ private partnership and shows how a major public works initiative can have at its core historic preservation. The presentation will demonstrate how Buffalo’s old and worn, yet architecturally significant schools can be adapted to the needs of 21st century learning environments. A number of exemplary projects will be shown depicting technical and aesthetic issues as well as discussion of the unique financing and program procurement necessary for the project success.The presentation will illustrate approximately eight schools renovated as part of the JSCB project. Slides will depict before and after situations, code issues, SHPO concerns and solutions, technical issues, sustainability and mechanical and electrical issues. [/expand]
[expand title =”Paul McDonnell, AIA Director of FacilitiesPlanning, Design and Construction Buffalo Public Schools”]
Paul McDonnell AIA Is Director of Facilities Planning Design and Construction for the Buffalo Public Schools. He is responsible for almost 70 school facilities that have an average age of about 75 years old. Paul has been an integral part of the Buffalo Joint School Construction Board Program (JSCB) an initiative that has directed $1.4 billion towards the renovation of 48 Buffalo Schools. It is the largest historic preservation project Buffalo has ever seen. Paul is also President of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History Architecture and Culture, Chair of the Buffalo Preservation Board, Board member and past President of the Buffalo/WNY Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.[/expand]
Session 3: 1:15-2:15 PM
3A: [expand title =”Next Act for Opera Houses: Strategies for Preservation & Renewal“]Typically constructed between the mid-19th to early 20th centuries, the community opera house is proving to be an enduring Main Street anchor and important component in downtown revitalization efforts. This multi-story building type usually provides commercial or municipal spaces at the street level while the uppermost story offers its characteristics performance space. After decades of under-utilization and sometimes vacancy and deterioration, opera houses are increasingly being rediscovered and renewed. This session’s three speakers will present case studies of building uses and their code implications as well as management structures that address the needs of not-for-profit groups and municipalities.[/expand]
[expand title=”Tania Werbizky, Preservation League of New York State”]
Since 1989, Tania G. Werbizky has worked with the Preservation League of New York State where she is currently the Regional Director of Technical and Grant Programs for Central and Western New York and the Southern Tier. Previously Ms. Werbizky served as Preservation Planner for Cannon Design of Buffalo and, for eight years, taught in the graduate Historic Preservation Program at Cornell University. Ms. Werbizky has a B.A. in Geography from SUNY Binghamton and M.A. in Historic Preservation from Cornell University. She is Past President of Historic Ithaca and Tompkins County and has served on the US Route 20 Scenic Byway Steering Committee. Ms. Werbizky has been honored with awards from Adirondack Architectural Heritage, the Preservation Association of Central New York and the New York Planning Federation for her community work with the Preservation League.[/expand]
[expand title =”John Bero, Bero Architecture”]
In 1976 John founded Bero Architecture P.C., a general practice architectural firm based in Rochester with specialized expertise in preservation and restoration of historic buildings, and historic studies and reports such as National Register nominations, designations of historic districts, building conditions surveys, historic structure reports etc. In 2008 the firm was purchased by employees and John now focuses on preservation aspects of the firm’s services. Recent firm recognition include annual awards from the Preservation League of New York State and the Landmark Society of Western New York for the rehabilitation of 44 Exchange Boulevard in downtown Rochester and Landmark Society awards for projects for the Clarkson Historical Society and the Friends of the Three Bears, former Seneca County Clerks Office.[/expand]
[expand title =”Rick Davis, 1891 Fredonia Opera House”]
Rick A. Davis, APR has built a career in a variety of environments including academia, government, the corporate arena and the world of the arts. He currently serves as Executive Director of the 1891 Fredonia Opera House in Fredonia, N.Y., where he is the longest tenured Executive Director since the theatre reopened in 1994 following a nine-year restoration. In this role, he is responsible for program management, contract negotiation, marketing and promotion, media relations, financial oversight, fund-raising and community relations. He also currently serves as adjunct professor of theatre organization and management at SUNY-Fredonia. Davis is a 1983 graduate of Utica College of Syracuse University with a B.S. in public relations/journalism. He received an M.B.A. in 1997 from Wingate University, and earned national accreditation in public relations in 1992.[/expand]
[expand title =”Patti Lockwood-Blais, Earlville Opera House Arts Center”]
Patti Lockwood-Blais is the Executive Director of the Earlville Opera House, a multi-arts center housed in a historic 12000 square foot facility that includes a 19th-century theater. She graduated from Cornell University. Patti learned and promoted cooperative business practices as a leading partner in the ABC Cafe cooperative in Ithaca, NY. She served on the boards of the Alternatives Federal Credit Union and Alternatives Fund. She is currently a member of the New York Multi-Arts Centers Consortium Board. In addition, she is a fourth generation quilter and folk artist. She lives in Eaton, New York, with her husband, Steven Blais, an architect and musician. The Opera House presents live performances in both its theater and Arts Cafe, including professional work for children. The performance series is diverse with folk, blues, jazz, roots, Celtic, Cajun & Zydeco as well as the occasional classical, opera or theater event. EOH has three art galleries: two presenting innovative works and one with an emphasis on education and artistic exchange. Visual and performing arts workshops for children and adults include an in-house children’s performing arts workshop and circus camp.[/expand]
3B: [expand title =”Panel Discussion – Rust Belt Revitalization: Preservation & Economics in Upstate NY’s Cities“]Rust Belt cities across the northeast and upper Midwest such as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Pittsburgh and Detroit face economic decline, population loss and urban decay due to the shrinking of a once powerful industrial sector. This panel discussion will provide three different perspectives on strategies for the revitalization of these Rust Belt cities. Donovan Rypkema, principal of PlaceEconomics and a leading expert on rightsizing, preservation and real estate economics, will provide a national perspective: the common challenges that rust belt cities are facing; strategies that different cities are using to foster revitalization; how preservation fits into the discussion; and the general economics of Rust Belt communities. Jason Yots, CEO of Preservation Studios, a historic preservation consulting firm in upstate New York, and Buffalo developer, Rocco Termini, will provide a local perspective, highlighting the challenges facing real estate projects in upstate NY; specific project case studies; and the economic impact of tax credits in upstate NY.[/expand]
[expand title =”Donovan Rypkema, Place Economics”]
Donovan Rypkema, Principal of PlaceEconomics, was educated at Columbia University, where he received a Masters of Science degree in Historic Preservation. He has lectured widely on economic and preservation issues relating to rehabilitation, community development and commercial revitalization. His specific fields of consultation include feasibility analyses for real estate and market analysis, economic revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood commercial centers, and the rehabilitation of historic structures. He is author of several publications, including Community Initiated Development, The Economics of Rehabilitation, the Downtown Real Estate Development Series and others. In the fall of 2012 Rypkema received the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Crowninshield Award is the nation’s highest preservation honor and awarded for lifetime contribution to historic preservation in the United States.[/expand]
[expand title =”Jason Yots, President & CEO, Preservation Studios LLC”]
Jason Yots started his career in historic preservation as a tax credit attorney. After 12 years of practice, Jason became a principal of Preservation Studios, a Buffalo-based historic preservation consulting company, in 2008. At Preservation Studios, Jason helps clients develop innovative historic preservation projects utilizing historic tax credits and other adaptive re-use incentives.[/expand]
[expand title =”Rocco Termini,Signature Development, Buffalo”][/expand]
3C: [expand title =”Master Planning the Southern Tier: Engaging Students to Help Create Sustainable Communities“]The purpose of this presentation will be to discuss the use of master planning projects in undergraduate architectural education to promote student civic engagement as a means of helping communities visualize potential solutions for revitalizing their neighborhoods and business districts. A series of case studies will be presented in terms of challenges that were encountered, opportunities for student engagement and leadership, and the feasibility of sustainable community development resulting from those projects. Attendees will be encouraged to consider how they can recognize needs within their own communities that could benefit from the assistance of architecture students and faculty.[/expand]
[expand title =”William C. Dean, AIA, NCARB, LEED® AP, Alfred State – SUNY College of Technology, and Alfred State Students”]
William C. Dean, AIA, NCARB, LEED® AP is a Registered Architect and Professor of Architecture at Alfred State – SUNY College of Technology. He teaches technology, professional practice and design studio courses, including the Urban Design Studio, and holds both B.P.S. and Master of Architecture degrees from the University at Buffalo.[/expand]
3D: [expand title =”An Introduction to the Window Sash Bible“]The Window Sash Bible is about repair, maintenance, upgrade, and restoration of old or historic windows. With so much misinformation provided by replacement window contractors and vendors, this book aids homeowners, handy-people, carpenters, architects, designers, preservation board members, and anyone in the old-house business make sound decisions about windows. The information is timely; the National Trust for Historic Preservation and many state and regional preservation organizations have sounded the alarm to cease the rapid loss of perfectly good windows to the sales-hype of replacement window vendors. Since most homeowners are not aware of their alternatives, The Window Sash Bible provides an array of options to save money, energy, and historic windows for decades to come.[/expand]
[expand title =”Steve Jordan, Pain in the Glass”]
Steve Jordan is a preservation specialist who repairs and restores old and historic windows in Rochester, New York. He was the rehab advisor for the Landmark Society of Western New York for six years, an architectural conservator for Bero Architecture for four years, and has been a contributing editor for Old-House Journal since 1998. Steve is author of Rehab Rochester: A Sensible Guide for Old-House Maintenance, Repair, and Rehabilitation (Landmark Society of Western New York, 1995) and co-author of Painting Kitchens – How to Choose and Use the Right Paint . . . (Quarry Books, Gloucester, MA, 2004). Author of self-published Window Sash Bible (Everyone’s Guide to the Maintenance, Repair, and Restoration of Their Historic Wood Windows
Steve grew up in western Tennessee, graduated from Memphis State University and Cornell’s graduate program in Historic Preservation. He has worked in the building trades since he was fifteen years old. In his spare time, he co-raises two children, tinkers in his messy workshop, and dreams of being a television home-improvement star.[/expand]
Session 4: 2:30-3:30 PM
4A: [expand title =”Promote-Sustain-Preserve Our Regional Economy One Main Street At A Time“]Western Erie Canal Alliance (WECA) recognizes ongoing Main Street and Community Development as a building block in the preservation of New York State’s unique historic landscape. Healthy communities revolve around healthy main streets and encourage preservation of their historic assets as an integral part of their economic development. WECA will give an overview of key strategies for communities to develop healthy Main Streets through historic preservation/revitalization, grass roots organization and participation, progressive economic sustainability and strategic regional and community marketing.[/expand]
[expand title =”Roxanne Kise, Regional Coordinator/Executive Director Western Erie Canal Alliance”]
Roxanne Kise has over thirty years of diverse experience in program development, promotion, communication, volunteer coordination, and municipal leadership that allows her to bring an outside of the box look at community development. For the past two and half years, she has served as the Western Erie Canal Alliance Main Street Regional Coordinator/ Executive Director. There she had developed coalitions and new partnerships that will enable Western Erie Canal Alliance to move Main Streets in the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor and the surrounding communities on a path to economic and cultural prosperity and sustainability. Roxanne is a graduate of SUNY Morrisville.[/expand]
[expand title =”Beth Kravetz, Project Manager Western Erie Canal Alliance”]
Beth Kravetz has over 12 years of experience in the marketing and communication field. She currently operates as a freelance marketing professional assisting her clients with their marketing strategy, branding, public relations and social media initiatives. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County. Ms. Kravetz is the project manager for the Western Erie Canal Alliance, assisting the Board of Directors and Main Street Executive Directors with the development and execution of their marketing plan that promotes the organization’s position as a conduit and partner to regional communities. She received her B.A. from St. John Fisher College and her M.A. from the University of Phoenix.[/expand]
[expand title =”Heather Peck, Program Manager, Lockport Main Street, Inc”]
Heather B. Peck is the program manager for Lockport Main Street, Inc – a not-for-profit agency that has been charged with promoting the city of Lockport, attracting new businesses to its downtown, and providing support to existing businesses. A former college administrator and Red Cross official, Ms. Peck brings experience from both the not-for-profit and private sectors to the organization. Previously serving as director of public relations and fund development for the Utica, N.Y. Chapter of the American Red Cross, Ms. Peck oversaw communications operations during relief efforts in Alabama and the Florida panhandle following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. She later administered a concurrent-enrollment program providing college-level classes to high school students in more than 20 school districts in Upstate New York.
She holds a master’s degree in communication from the University of Colorado, and completed her undergraduate studies at SUNY Binghamton.[/expand]
[expand title =”Katelin Olson, Historic Preservationist and Cornell University PhD student,Albion Main Street Alliance”]
The former Executive Director of the Albion Main Street Alliance (2009-2013), Katelin is a historic preservationist focused on partnering building owners with economic development resources. Katelin has a M.A. in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Cornell in the Department of City and Regional Planning.[/expand]
[expand title =”Joan Delaro, Program Manager, Lyons Main Street Program, Inc.”]
Joan Delaro joined the Lyons Main Street Program in July, 2013 as Program Manager. Prior to this position Joan worked as Project Manager for the Western Erie Canal Alliance. She visited the communities along the Erie Canal through the counties of Wayne, Monroe, Orleans, Niagara and Erie. Along with enjoying the small canal villages Joan gained knowledge of the historic communities, their value to our modern life and preservation of our heritage. This position gave her experience with the National Trust Main Street Program ™. With a background in tourism, Joan understands the importance of preservation and promotion of the whole community. As owner of Glacier Lakes Tours, a receptive tour company for the Finger Lakes Region, she leaned the ups and downs of a small business. Joan’s experience in the business community has given her a personal insight into running a business and how important community involvement and promotion needs to be.[/expand]
4B: [expand title=”Think Inside the Box: Transmission Corridors and Impacts to Historic Communities and Landscapes”]Eastern and central New York are targeted for the largest electrical transmission build out in a half-century, and historic resources and cultural landscapes are at risk from new high-tension lines and wider utility corridors. This session will present an overview of the next generation of transmission development, review NYS’s transmission siting process and the role that historic and cultural resources can play in influencing transmission siting decisions, and share details on how local and regional advocacy has organized to influence new siting guidelines at the state level.[/expand] (ASLA credit approved.)
[expand title =”Panel discussion. Moderated by Daniel Mackay, Director of Public Policy, Preservation League of NYS”]
Daniel Mackay has served as Director of Public Policy for the Preservation League since 2000, where his work is focused on advancing historic preservation programs and incentives at the local, state and federal level. He has played an instrumental role in establishment, enhancement and implementation of the NYS Rehabilitation Tax Credit program, as well as securing other historic preservation legislation. Daniel has a Masters in Environmental Education/Environmental Studies from Lesley College/Audubon Expedition Institute in Cambridge, MA, and Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Chicago. He lives in Albany County, where he was elected to the New Scotland Town Board in November 2009 after leading a successful grassroots campaign against big box-oriented mall construction in his rural community. He has twice cycled the Erie Canal corridor with his wife and sons.[/expand]
4C: [expand title =”Placemaking in Stone: a Geo-coded Sidewalk Survey for a Livable City“]The session will begin with a description Bluestone Survey Project within the context of preservation goals, messages, and target audiences. The importance of Bluestone in 19th century America will be explained, with emphasis on Kingston’s central role in the industry. The survey methodology, the use of GPS mobile units, and the involvement of community groups and volunteers will be discussed. The presentations will end with a report on the use of survey findings to inform newly developed trail projects and the development of additional historical resource surveys. The session will conclude with questions to stimulate audience discussion.[/expand] (ASLA credit approved.)
[expand title =”Gregg Swanzey, Director of Economic Development and Strategic Partnerships, City of Kingston”]
Gregg Swanzey is the Director of Economic Development and Strategic Partnerships for the City of Kingston. He has extensive experience in maritime preservation, education, and the management of public and private organizations. Gregg was the Associate Director of Grants and Corporate Relations of the Mohonk Preserve, Executive Director of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, and Grant Writer for the Hudson River Maritime Museum. He has served as advisor to The Boston Foundation, the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts. Currently, he serves as Board Director and Chair of the Kingston Land Trust and member of the Kingston Conservation Advisory Council, the Complete Streets Advisory Council, and the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. He has a B.A. in Natural Resources from Cornell University and an MBA from UMASS Dartmouth.[/expand]
[expand title =”Kitty McCullough, Preservation and Development Consultant”]
With extensive experience in the varied aspects of capacity building in non-profits, Kitty McCullogh has served most recently as the Executive Director of Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center, the Development Director of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, and the Capital and Planned Giving Manager of Scenic Hudson, Inc. Additionally, she is a Development Consultant for the Historic Kingston Waterfront and a member of the Board of Directors of the Calvert Vaux Preservation Alliance. Her past involvement includes Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Center for Photography at Woodstock and service on numerous boards including the Arts Council of Peekskill, NY, the Peekskill Business Improvement District, the Hudson River Maritime Museum, and the Center for Photography at Woodstock. Kitty received a B.A. in Art History and Philosophy from Indiana University Bloomington and subsequently did graduate work at IU in Art History and Museum Studies.[/expand]
[expand title =”Jack Braunlein, Preservation Specialist”]
Jack Braunlein has been a museum professional for nearly forty years, and has held education, curatorial, and administrative positions in a variety of government and private, non-profit organizations in New York and Delaware. Prior to serving as the Preservation Specialist for the City of Kingston’s Historic Bluestone Sidewalk Survey, Jack was the Director of Lyndhurst (the National Trust for Historic Preservation) in Tarrytown (2005-2011) and Executive Director of Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz (1998-2005). Additionally, he is a volunteer advisor for the Friends of Historic Kingston’s Frog Alley preservation project. He has held board and committee positions for national, regional and local organizations and most recently was a trustee for the Greater Hudson History Network and the Museum Association of New York. Jack holds an M.A. in American folk culture from the Cooperstown Graduate Programs and a B.A., and M.A. in philosophy from the University of Delaware.[/expand]
4D: [expand title =”Built Environment vs. Sustainability Science“]Sustainability may very well be the common bond that brings all stakeholders of the built environment together as they never have before. The current model of human development is simply unsustainable and when this model fails, all stakeholders stand to lose. From preservationists to developers, architects to elected officials, and planners to neighborhood activists, sustainability is forcing us all to work together. That being the case each stakeholder needs to broaden his/her understanding of sustainability.
When it comes to sustainability there is a wide gap between perception and reality. This session will pit “greenwashing” versus scientific life cycle assessment and the role rating systems play in bridging the difference between the two. Sustainable communities mean more than energy conservation; communities must preserve their historic buildings, preserve their culture, be economically viable, and not overly stress the natural environment on which they depend. A PhD sustainability scientist (Mark Krystofik) and a licensed architect (Jules Chiavaroli, AIA) present perspectives from multiple angles to help attendees gain a greater understanding of sustainability.[/expand]
[expand title =”Professor Jules Chiavaroli, AIA; Rochester Institute of Technology”]
Jules Chiavaroli is a Professor of Architecture at Rochester Institute of Technology. He was a key person in developing and currently teaches in the Master of Architecture degree program at RIT. Jules holds an undergraduate degree in architecture, a graduate degree in business, and works to advance his interests in sustainability, urbanism, and publishing.[/expand]
[expand title =”Mark Krystofik, PhD; Rochester Institute of Technology”]
Mark Krystofik is an Adjunct Assistant Professor and Researcher at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He has a doctorate in Sustainability and recently taught the Sustainable Building Metrics course to 3rd year Master of Architecture students. Mark has 20 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing management with small to midsize firms in the Rochester area.[/expand]
Keynote Speaker: 4:15-5:15 PM
[expand title=”Stuck in Time: How Historic Preservation has to to Change in the 21st Century”]
Donovan D. Rypkema, principal of PlaceEconomics, a Washington, DC-based
real estate and economic development consulting firm, has lectured and written extensively on the economic benefits of historic preservation. In his keynote address at the 2014 New York Statewide Preservation Conference, Rypkema will provide a provocative and compelling explanation for why he thinks preservationists must adopt new tools, new strategies, and new language and must take a hard look at long-held, cherished standards to stay relevant in the 21st century.[/expand]
[expand title=”Donovan Rypkema, PlaceEconomics”]
Donovan Rypkema, Principal of PlaceEconomics, was educated at Columbia University, where he received a Masters of Science degree in Historic Preservation. He has lectured widely on economic and preservation issues relating to rehabilitation, community development and commercial revitalization. His specific fields of consultation include feasibility analyses for real estate and market analysis, economic revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood commercial centers, and the rehabilitation of historic structures. He is author of several publications, including Community Initiated Development, The Economics of Rehabilitation, the Downtown Real Estate Development Series and others. In the fall of 2012 Rypkema received the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Crowninshield Award is the nation’s highest preservation honor and awarded for lifetime contribution to historic preservation in the United States.[/expand]
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Breakfast Speaker & Field Sessions
Breakfast Speaker: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
[expand title=”The Dollars and Sense of Preserving Community Character”]
Renowned author and authority on sustainable development, Ed McMahon, will describe how communities can protect their most valuable assets—the vibrant downtowns, historic buildings, landscapes, and viewsheds that contribute to the historic character that attracts visitors, residents, and investors alike. McMahon will explain how preserving this character is a sound long term investment. The “Dollars and Sense of Preserving Community Character” will address downtowns and the transformation of the strip, and include how communities can grow without destroying their unique character. His talk will touch on historic preservation, new design, green space, community gateways and how small towns can be successful in a rapidly changing world. He will identify emerging opportunities to redevelop strip commercial areas into vibrant places. McMahon’s insights have provided encouragement and inspiration to communities across the nation.[/expand]
[expand title =”Ed McMahon, Senior Resident Fellow, Urban Land Institute”]
Ed McMahon holds the Charles E. Fraser Chair on Sustainable Development at the Urban Land Institute in Washington, DC where he is nationally known as an inspiring and thought provoking speaker and leading authority on topics related to economic development, land conservation, smart growth, and historic preservation. As the Senior Fellow for Sustainable Development McMahon leads ULI’s worldwide efforts to conduct research and educational activities related to environmentally sensitive development policies and practices.[/expand]
Field Sessions 1: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
1A: [expand title =”Embracing Mid-Century Modern – Adaptive Re-Use of a 1960s Downtown Commercial Building“]This session is a case study highlighting the successful adaptive reuse of the Central Trust Building. The project began with a long-vacant office/bank building and a development team with a vision of rehabilitating it using rehabilitation tax credits – despite the fact that SHPO was initially not convinced this unassuming Mid-Century Modern building was eligible for the National Register. Participants will tour the public spaces and a private apartment as the presenters describe how the development team, architects, and SHPO worked together to find solutions to ensure successful completion of the project.[/expand]
[expand title =”Katie Comeau, Architectural Historian, Bero Architecture PLLC”]
Katie grew up in the village of Pittsford, where she learned to appreciate traditional buildings and streetscapes. After receiving her master’s degree in historic preservation from the University of Pennsylvania, she worked at a preservation consulting firm in Washington, D.C. for three years before returning to Rochester to work at the Landmark Society of Western New York. In 2010, she joined the staff of Bero Architecture as its architectural historian.[/expand]
[expand title =”John Page, Architect, Bero Architecture PLLC”]
John is a registered architect who completed his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Art and Architecture degrees at the University of Florida in the 1970’s. He began his work with Bero Associates in 1982 and purchased the firm with Virginia Searl in 2008 when it became Bero Architecture PLLC. Virginia and John have continued the firm’s focus on preservation including institution of the Bero-Howk Preservation Internship which is entering its fifth year this summer.[/expand]
1B: [expand title =”Creating Sustainable Identity: The GardenAerial Project“]The city of Rochester is at a crossroads. The old positioning of the city is based on outmoded models of large corporate entities determining future paths. New positioning will require a re-thinking of Rochester itself and how we might get there through a change in perspective.
FoGA will detail the varied work involved in the early stage implementation of the envisioning, fundraising, preservation, and development of partnerships that have led to the Friends of the GardenAerial’s early success in reclaiming public use and access of the High Falls Heritage Area, an urban historic cultural landscape in downtown Rochester, New York.
Architect Chris Brandt will also present a thesis project he completed on a decommissioned hydro-electric tower at the precipice of a waterfall. The project proposes rehabilitating and adding on to RG&E Station #4 to celebrate it as a beacon to the High Falls area, a critical component of Rochester’s hydro-electric and street car history, and a resolute example of Rochesterians’ brave and dynamic negotiation with the power of the Genesee River.[/expand] (ASLA credit approved.)
[expand title =”Michael A. Philipson, Co-Founder and Board Chair”]
Michael A. Philipson, President, PhilipsonGroup and Co-Founder, Friends of the GardenAerial. He holds a Bachelors degree in Biology (Natural History and Ethology focused) from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota and as well as interests in music, languages, and design. Most of the time, Michael can be found in his design studio/think-tank along with a talented staff working on innovation communications solutions through traditional print, new media (including web, mobile and social media efforts) innovative events and attention-getting public relations for his clients.
Now, in addition to his creative business, Michael is also working hard to help push forward a new project poised to reposition and renew the City of Rochester. In 2011, he and business partner Lewis Stess, formed a new non-profit – Friends of the GardenAerial – to help build a new urban greenway in and around the High Falls and Gorge – the birthplace of the City of Rochester, NY. The GardenAerial Project, will create a new, highly-designed urban greenway, incorporating natural ecology, built environment, and sustainable, sensitive development, that will connect and integrate the Genesee River Gorge with downtown Rochester and surrounding neighborhoods.You might call Michael an innovator…others have called him a visionary…but no matter what you call him, he and his passionate, devoted team are leading an effort to re-shape (and re-imagine) a vibrant new Rochester.[/expand]
[expand title =”Benjamin Woelk, Associate Director – Administration & Community Engagement, Friends of the GardenAerial”]
Benjamin Woelk is the Associate Director of Administration and Community Engagement at GardenAerial, an organization that aims to transform Rochester’s High Falls into a world-class public green space. With a desire to promote the incredible local and natural resources of the region, Benjamin graduated from RIT in May of 2012 with a Masters in Professional Studies with concentrations in Public Policy, Tourism, and Marketing, where he explored diverse and dynamic methods to foster urban and community development. Benjamin was also selected as the Graduate College Delegate and Commencement Speaker on behalf of the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.
A strong advocate of historic preservation and sustaining “Main Street’s” in New York State, Benjamin sees the arts, agriculture, and local businesses as the key to economic development, revival, and the creation of a vibrant local culture.
Benjamin also serves on the Board of Directors for the Western Erie Canal Alliance and Slow Food Rochester to promote and sustain our region at the grassroots and local levels.[/expand]
[expand title =”Maranne McDade Clay, Grantwriter, Friends of the GardenAerial”]
Maranne McDade Clay has more than fifteen years experience working with grant funded initiatives focused on historic preservation, including survey, evaluation, and rehabilitation projects for historic sites and structures, and specializes in projects which maximize public and private partnerships. McDade Clay holds a Master of Arts degree in Art History from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.[/expand]
[expand title =”Christopher Brandt, Bero Architecture PLLC”]
Christopher is a lifetime resident of the Rochester area, and has recently returned home upon receiving his Master’s Degree in Architecture with a Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Virginia. He has a deep sense of pride and personal identity in Rochester and believes in the critical role that Historic Preservation plays in the conservation and celebration of our collective cultural heritage. He hopes that his efforts as a designer can help further these collective goals.[/expand]
1C: [expand title =”Behind the Scenes: A Tour of Downtown Rochester’s Iconic Sibley Building“][/expand]
Field Sessions 2: 2:00-3:30 PM
2A: [expand title =”Planning the Future of a Historic Landscape: The Master Plan for Genesee Valley Park West“]Frederick Law Olmsted declared the land that would become Genesee Valley Park an “almost ideal” pastoral park site – yet the factors that made the land appealing also made it a desirable location for later incompatible development. This session will present the master plan process currently underway in Genesee Valley Park West as a case study in balancing historic integrity with modern needs of a regional-scale recreation park. The case study provides an example of how Olmsted’s legacy is faring in present-day Rochester, and how Olmsted’s broad-minded principles can continue to provide inspiration in addressing today’s challenges.[/expand] (ASLA credit approved.)
[expand title =”Zakery D. Steele, ASLA, RLA, Bayer Landscape Architecture, PLLC”]
Zakery Steele, ASLA, is a Project Manager at Bayer Landscape Architecture in Honeoye Falls, New York. Since joining the firm in 2009, he has played a significant role in the management, planning, and design of many of the firm’s award winning projects. As an advocate of civic engagement at all levels, he contributes much of his time, passion and expertise toward civic endeavors throughout the region. Prior to settling in Western New York, Zakery served in public sector planning capacities at both the local and regional level in Utah and Massachusetts. He holds a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Utah’s College of Architecture + Planning.[/expand]
[expand title =”Katie Eggers Comeau, Bero Architecture, PLLC”]
Katie Eggers Comeau, a Rochester-area native, is the architectural historian at Bero Architecture PLLC. Prior to joining Bero in 2010, she worked at the Landmark Society of Western New York, where she wrote the National Register nomination for Seneca Park and the context statement for the Municipal Park System of Rochester, New York, and worked with Bayer Landscape Architecture on the 2009 Survey of Rochester’s Historic Parklands. She has a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from Yale University.[/expand]
2B: [expand title =”Case Study: How to Create and Develop a Historic Building“]This session will demonstrate how to take an old building and create a historically correct development project. The Bridge Square project will be used as an example project and will review the process and lessons learned. Bridge Square is an urban redevelopment project into a mixed use commercial building. Issues discussed and topics covered will include: finding the right development mix; how to sensitively design a historic rehab project; hiring the right consultants; the SHPO approval process; tax credit financing options; dealing with IDA’s; and NYSERDA rebates and dealing with the consolidated funding application. Best of all, participants will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of this unique and exciting rehab project in downtown Rochester.[/expand]
[expand title =”Peter R. Wehner, AIA LEED AP – Architect with Passero Associates”][/expand]
[expand title =”Christopher Montante – Financial Advisor with Montante Capital Services”][/expand]
[expand title =”Saralinda Hooker – Historical Consultant”][/expand]
2C: [expand title =”A Slice of the Wedge: Revitalizing Rochester’s South Wedge Neighborhood“]This session will literally walk participants through the revitalization of Rochester’s eclectic South Wedge neighborhood. Participants will see firsthand how streetscape improvements, public art, historic rehab, sensitive modern infill, the investment of local businesses, and the involvement of an active and engaged citizenry, have combined to fuel the recent and ongoing revitalization of one of Rochester’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Participants will also see how these elements have created a unique sense of place and identify for the South Wedge, making it an appealing and economically viable neighborhood.[/expand]
[expand title =”Robert Boyd, Lecturer SUNY Geneseo and former executive director the South Wedge Planning Committee”]Robert Boyd is currently a faculty member and Director of Interns at the School of Business at SUNY Geneseo. Robert has had numerous careers in the past 30 years. Most recently Mr. Boyd was the Executive Director of the South Wedge Planning Committee and contributed to the development of the South Wedge. That role was a change from 25 years with HSBC Bank and corporate America. In each role he reinvented himself and approached it with enthusiasm and passion. He recently was named a Healthy Hero by the Greater Rochester Health Foundation for his work with community gardens and farmers markets.[/expand]
Note: AIA/CES credits will be offered through AIA Rochester.
Note: ASLA credits apply to specific sessions only & are notated above. (ASLA credit approved.)
>>Click here to return to the Conference homepage.
